YCLP 037: Carey Nieuwhof on His Latest Book Didn’t See it Coming – Overcoming the 7 Greatest Challenges That No One Expects and Everyone Experiences

Have you ever run into an obstacle or situation that you just didn’t see coming? Carey Nieuwhof is a former lawyer, and founding pastor of Connexus Church in Barrie, Ontario just north of Toronto, Canada. Carey’s latest book, Didn’t See it Coming looks at the 7 greatest challenges that no one expects and everyone experiences.

Today on the podcast, we jump into what he hopes the book will do for you as a leader and how to overcome cynicism as a leader. Welcome to episode 37of the Young Church Leaders Podcast with Grant Vissers!

Show Notes

Guest Links

Takeaways from the Episode

1. The Next Generation

Before jumping into book specifics, Carey discusses this idea of having a responsibility to pass the church onto the next generation. The church isn’t owned by an individual and it isn’t something that should be kept to yourself. Church leadership is about being a good steward and being able to hand a church off better than you found it. The days of handing off a dying church are over and it’s time for you to want the next generation to win.

2. Cynicism

Didn’t See it Coming has a lot of mention to the topic of cynicism. Carey discusses this tough topic through personal experience with the bottom line being cynicism is a real thing, but you don’t have to be cynical forever. Cynicism finds its root in knowledge and there is a burden that comes with knowledge. And as Carey stated, “what dies when you become cynical is hope, and curiosity.”

3. Vulnerability

Cynicism can often lead to a hardened heart. Nowadays, people are afraid getting hurt, especially by putting your heart out there. There is a risk involved in doing that, but you are missing out on the opportunity for community and friendship. There’s a deciding point where you have to choose if you’re going to hope again, trust again, and believe again. If you cultivate that lifestyle long enough, your cynicism will melt.

4.Transparency

People aren’t looking for a good story anymore, they’re looking for the real and the raw. People often admire your strengths, but more often they resonate with your weaknesses. Being transparent with others gives people a sense of hope and a thinking that even if I am cynical, others before me have been as well and seen a way through. Transparency gives others the idea that it’s okay to be cynical, but I can’t and don’t have to be cynical forever.

About The Author

Grant Vissers serves as associate pastor at St. Paul’s Leaskdale north of Toronto, Canada. He has his Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. Grant is passionate about connecting with and helping other church leaders. He is married to Konnie, and together they enjoy hiking, camping, travelling and good music. In his spare time, Grant enjoys photography and exploring new places.